1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 1,300 cc, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 856 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2011 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1959 Alpine A 106 has manual transmission. 1959 Alpine A 106 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 106 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 64 L |
